Merchandising & Brand Manager

Purpose

The Merchandising & Brand Manager at Chicago Midway International Airport, drives commercial excellence and ensures brand standard compliance across specialty retail operations generating up to $3M in annual sales. This role is responsible for visual merchandising execution, brand guideline adherence, and vendor relationship management while supporting operational teams to deliver exceptional, brand-aligned customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular brand standard audits and store assessments to ensure compliance with visual merchandising, product presentation, and brand guidelines; provide corrective action plans and follow-up support.
• Oversee execution of brand-directed visual merchandising programs, seasonal resets, and promotional displays; ensure consistency across all retail locations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with brand partners and vendors; communicate brand initiatives, seasonal requirements, and promotional strategies; ensure timely execution of brand programs.
• Develop and deliver brand-specific training programs for store associates, focusing on product knowledge, brand storytelling, and customer engagement techniques.
• Monitor and analyze brand performance metrics, sales data, and customer feedback; provide actionable insights and recommendations to operational leadership for performance optimization.
• Collaborate with inventory and operations teams to manage stock allocation, seasonal transitions, and promotional merchandise in alignment with brand requirements.
• Partner with store leadership to ensure brand-aligned customer service standards; provide coaching and guidance to enhance customer engagement.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports to brand partners on compliance status, visual execution, and performance metrics; maintain strong vendor relationships and market insights.
• Coordinate multiple brand initiatives, seasonal launches, and promotional campaigns while ensuring timely execution and adherence to brand standards.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 5+ years combined experience in brand management, visual merchandising, or retail operations with a focus on brand compliance and commercial excellence.
• 3+ years in a brand or merchandising leadership role within retail environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field preferred (may substitute for experience).

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in visual merchandising principles, planogram execution, and retail display standards.
• Familiarity with retail systems, reporting tools, and inventory management processes.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret sales data and brand performance metrics.
• Visual Merchandising Certification or related training preferred.
• Project Management certification (PMP) a plus.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to walk extensively across retail locations and merchandising areas.
  • Lift/carry up to 25 lbs for visual merchandising setups.
• Work Environment:
  • Retail store and back-of-house environments with varying temperature and noise levels.

Competencies

• Brand & Visual Expertise – Deep understanding of brand standards, merchandising principles, and retail presentation strategies.
• Commercial Acumen – Ability to analyze sales data, identify trends, and implement strategies to drive revenue and profitability.
• Leadership & Training – Skilled in developing and delivering brand training programs to enhance team performance.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management – Strong relationship-building skills with ability to influence internal and external partners.
• Project Management – Ability to manage multiple brand initiatives, seasonal resets, and promotional campaigns simultaneously.
• Communication & Presentation – Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present to senior leadership and brand partners effectively.

Schedule & Reporting

• Reports to: Director of Operations.
• Classification: Exempt (FLSA) under administrative exemption.
• Schedule: Flexible availability required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during seasonal resets and promotional periods.

What We Will Offer You:

• Competitive Salary of: $73,010- $85,894 annually
• Daily Pay- Get your money as you earn it
• 20% Hudson, HMSHost & Dufry Employee Discount
• Paid Time Off
• Personal and Parental Leave Programs
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Advancement and Growth Opportunities
• On-going Training & Development

Avolta, including Dufry, HMSHost Corporation, Hudson, and affiliates (“the Company”), is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment and to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal opportunities to applicants and team members without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, age, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military service and veteran status, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances (referred to as “protected characteristics”)